01/16/2020
Dr. Peter Ducey Will Discuss The Reptiles And Amphibians That Have Returned To Onondaga Lake
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is proud to welcome Dr. Peter Ducey, distinguished teaching professor at SUNY Cortland, for a presentation about the biology of the many amphibian and reptile species found in the Onondaga Lake ecosystem and how the recent restoration efforts have influenced these populations. The presentation will take place on Saturday, January 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). This event is sponsored by Ramboll, formerly OBG.
Dr. Peter Ducey studies the environmental biology of amphibians and reptiles and the evolutionary ecology of invading organisms. Using field work and lab experimentation, he and his students investigate how animals interact with one another and with their physical environments. After studying the animals of Onondaga Lake for many years, Dr. Ducey has assisted in the design of new habitats to enhance the recolonization of amphibians and reptiles associated with the restoration of the Lake and its surrounding environments. Dr. Ducey is involved in many educational outreach efforts, including previous Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps events, and encourages public participation in science and environmental stewardship.
“Onondaga Lake is a conservation success story,” said Chris Lajewski, Director of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps. “Along with over 900 community volunteers, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps has helped restore 90 acres of the Lake’s wetlands and shoreline which now serve as vital winter habitat for over 100 Bald Eagles and thousands of migratory waterfowl. Additionally, the reptiles and amphibians that have returned to these habitats are indicators of a recovering ecosystem and we will continue to lead habitat restoration projects to ensure Onondaga Lake’s wildlife and habitats thrive.”
Attendees are welcome to explore the MOST exhibits following Dr. Ducey’s presentation. The MOST is home to 35,000 square feet of exhibits dedicated to educating people of all ages. In addition to its many exhibits, the Museum provides numerous avenues for children to discover, learn & play! Learn more at MOST.org.
Suggested Donation: $5/person, $15/family.
Where: Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology 500 S. Franklin St. Syracuse, NY 13202
RSVP: Email montezuma@audubon.org with the subject line “Onondaga Lake” or call 315.365.3588 by January 24. Space is limited and registration is required.
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is an expanding organization of community volunteers who are contributing to restoration projects that are creating or improving wildlife habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed.
The Corps was founded in 2012 to inspire future stewards of Onondaga Lake and its watershed through a hands-on, experience-based program that offers citizens and organizations the opportunity to participate in activities that help restore and sustain Onondaga Lake and its value as an Important Bird Area.
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps was founded by Honeywell in partnership with Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon is now an Audubon New York program. Additional Corps supporters include NextEra Energy, Parsons, Ramboll, Anchor QEA, Bond Schoeneck & King, Applied Ecological Services, CHA Consulting, Koester Associates, Westfall Law, Pioneer Companies, and SRC, Inc.
Visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC for more information about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps.
